The captain of the port lifted restrictions on maritime travel that had been put in place ahead of Hurricane Irene on Tuesday.

Virginia is home to the world's largest naval base and the East Coast's third-largest commercial port. It is also the gateway to the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore's port.

The Navy planned to start returning its vessels to facilities in the Hampton Roads region on Tuesday, although it will take several days for all ships return. The Navy sent 27 ships out to sea to avoid being damaged by the storm.

All mariners are being advised to exercise caution when transiting through the port due to the possibility of shoaling, debris and damaged navigational aids.